METHOD STATEMENT:

Reducing Field Sample of Aggregate to Test

Sample
ASTM C 702, D75

Purpose: To obtain laboratory samples of aggregates from

stockpiles.
Equipment: Shovel, scoop, boom. Quartering

Procedure:

1- Obtain a sample of aggregate (about 50 kg) from three places in the stockpile: from the top
third, at the midpoint, and from the bottom third of the volume of the pile.
2- Place the field sample on a hard, clean level surface.
3- Mix the material thoroughly by turning the entire sample three times.
4- Shovel the entire sample into a conical pile.
5- Carefully flatten the conical to a uniform thickness and diameter by pressing down the apex
with a shovel. (The diameter should be approximately four to eight times the thickness).
6- Divide the flattened mass into four equal quarters with a shovel.
7- Remove two diagonally opposite quarters. Brush the cleared spaces clean.
8- Mix and quarter the remaining materials until the sample is reduced to the desired size.
Note:
The sample splitters can be used instead of flattening the mass on a level surface.

At least 12 Chute Openings for fine aggregate

At least 08 Chute Openings for Course aggregate
 METHOD STATEMENT:
“Moisture Content of Concrete Aggregate”
( ASTM C-566)
Scope of test:

One of the properties of the aggregates which should be known to design a concrete mix is its
moisture content. It is necessary in order to determine the net water -cement ratio in a batch of
concrete made with job aggregate.

Materials:

The amount of materials depends on the nominal maximum size of aggregate as follows:

N.M.S Weight of Sample

(mm) (kg)
4.75 0.5
9.5 1.5
12.5 2
19.0 3
25.0 4
37.5 6

Apparatus:

1. A balance sensitive to 0.5gm.

2. Electrical oven at temperature 105 °C.
3. Container with a cover.
4. Sample splitter.

Procedure:

1- Prepare the container clean, record its empty weight (A).

2- Weigh the suitable sample of aggregate and keep it in a container, put the cover on.
3-The weight of the container with the cover and the gravel is (B).
4-Remove the cover, then put the sample in the oven at 105 °C for 24 hours.
5-Remove the sample forms the oven and put the cover on it, then leaves it for half an hour,
and then weigh it (D).
6- Repeat the same steps for the sand sample.

Calculations and Results:

Moisture Content % = [ ( B – D ) / ( D – A )] x 100
 METHOD STATEMENT:
“Specific Gravity and Absorption of Coarse Aggregate”
(ASTM C 127 – 88)

Scope:

This test method covers the determination of Specific Gravity and Absorption of coarse aggregate.
The specific gravity may be expressed as bulk specific gravity, bulk specific gravity SSD or apparent
specific gravity. The bulk specific gravity and absorption are based on aggregate after 24hour soaking
in water.

Materials:

1- Coarse aggregate, must be sampled using sample splitter.

2- The weight of the sample depends on nominal maximum size (NMS) of the aggregate as follows.

N.M.S Minimum Weight of Sample

(mm) (kg)
12.5 or less 2
19 3
25 4
37.5 5
50 8

Apparatus:

1-A weighing balance sensitive, readable and accurate to 0.5gm.

2-The balance shall be equipped with suitable apparatus for suspending the sample container in
water.
3. Sample container (A wire basket) [20cm diameter& 20cm in height].
4. Water tank; a watertight tank into which the sample container may be placed while suspended
below the balance.
5-Sieves; 4.75mm (No.4) or other sizes as needed

Procedure:

1- Take the sample of coarse aggregate using the sample splitter.

2-Sieve the sample with 4.75mm sieves and ignore the materials passing through No.4.75
sieve.
3- Wash the sample to remove dust..
4- Put the sample in the oven at 105°[Link] 24hours.
5- Get the sample out of the oven, leave it to cool then determine its weight (A).
6- Submerge the sample in water for 24hours.
7- Remove the sample from the water and roll it in a large absorbent cloth until all visible
films of water are removed .Wipe the larger particles individually. Take care to avoid
evaporation of water from aggregate pores during the operation of surface- drying.
8- Take the required weight of the sample in its (S.S.D) (saturated surface dry) condition (B).
9-After weighing ,immediately place the S.S.D sample in the sample container and determine
its weight in water at 23±1°[Link] care to remove all entrapped a before weighing by shaking
the container while immersed. (C).

Calculations :-

1-Specific Gravity:-

a. Bulk specific gravity: - Calculate the bulk specific gravity as follow :

Bulk Specific Gravity = A /(B-C)

Where:
A=Weight of oven-dry test sample in air,(gm).
B= Weight of S.S.D. sample in air,(gm).
C=Weight of saturated sample in water,(gm).
b- Bulk Specific Gravity (SSD) = B / (B-C)

c-Apparent Specific gravity: - Calculate the apparent sp. gr. As follows:

Apparent Specific Gravity = A / (A - C)

2- Absorption:-
Calculate the percentage of absorption as follows:
Absorption% = [(B – A) / A] x100

METHOD STATEMENT:
“Specific Gravity and Absorption of fine Aggregate”
(ASTM C 128 – 97)
Scope:

This test method covers the determination of Bulk and Apparent Specific Gravity and Absorption of
fine aggregate.

Materials: 1 kg of sand is used using sample splitter.

Apparatus:

1-A balance having capacity of 1kg or more sensitive to 0.1gm

2- Pycnometer: A flask or other suitable container into which the fine aggregate sample can
be introduced .It is usually of 500cm3 capacity.
3-Mold: a metal mold in the form of a frustum of a cone with dimensions as follows: 37mm
inside diameter at the top, 90mm inside diameter at the bottom and 75mm in height.
4-Tamper: A metal tamper weighing 340±15gm and having a flat circular tamping face 25mm
in diameter.
5- Electrical Oven.
6- A container suitable to submerge the sample with water.

Preparation of the test Specimen:-

1-Obtain approximately 1kg of the fine aggregate using sample splitter.

2- Dry it in a suitable pan or vessel to constant weight at 110°C. Allow it to cool to
comfortable handling temperature, cover with water by immersion and permit to stand for
24 hours.
3- Decant excess water with care to avoid loss of fines, spread the sample on a flat
nonabsorbent surface exposed to a gently moving current of warm air.
4- Stir frequently to get homogeneous drying until achieving the saturated surface dry
condition. Use cone test for surface moisture.
5- Hold the mold firmly on a smooth nonabsorbent surface with the large diameter down.
Place a portion of partially dried fine aggregate loosely in the mold by filling it to over
following and heaping additional materials above the top of the mold.
6- Lightly tamp the sand into the mold with 25 light drops of the tamper. Each drop should
start about 5mm above the top surface of the sand. Permit the tamper to fall freely under
gravitational attraction on each drop.
7- Adjust the surface, remove loose sand from the base and lift the mold vertically. If surface
moisture is still present the sand will retain the molded shape. When the sand slumps slightly,
it indicates that it has reached S.S.D condition.
Procedure:-

1 -Weigh 500gm of the S.S.D sample (S).

2- Partially fill the pycnometer with water. Immediately put into the pycnometer 500gm
saturated surface dry aggregate.
3- Then fill with additional water to approximately 90%of capacity.
 4- Roll; invert the pycnometer to eliminate all air bubbles.
5-Adjust its temperature to 23±1.7 °C by putting the pycnometer in a water bath for
an hour.
6-Bring the water level in the pycnometer to its calibrated capacity.
7- Determine the total weight of the pycnometer, specimen and water (C).
8- Remove the fine aggregate from the pycnometer, dry to constant weight at temp.
110±5 C, cool in air at room temperature for one hour, and weigh. (A)
9- Determine the weight of the pycnometer filled to its capacity with water at 23 o C (B)

Calculations:

1-Calculate the bulk specific gravity as follows:-

Bulk sp. gr. = A / ( B + S – C )

Where: A: Weight of oven —dry specimen in air, (gm).

B: Weight of pycnometer filled with water, (gm)
S: Weight of the saturated surface-dry specimen. (500 gm)
C: Weight of pycnometer with specimen and water to calibrationmark, (gm).

2-Calculat the bulk specific gravity (SSD) as follows:

Bulk sp. gr.(SSD) = S / ( B + S – C )

3- Calculate the apparent Specific Gravity as follows:-

Apparent sp. gr=. A / ( B + A - C )

4-Calculate the percentage of absorption as follows:-

Absorption = [ ( S – A) / A x] 100
METHOD STATEMENT:
“LOS
ANGELES
ABRASION
TEST”
ASTM C
131 , C535

Summary of
test:
The Los Angeles test is a measure of degradation of mineral aggregates of standard grading resulting
from a combination of actions including abrasion or attrition, impact, and grinding in a rotating steel
drum containing a specified number of steel spheres, the number depending upon the grading of the
test sample. As the drum rotates a shelf plate picks up the sample and the steel spheres, carrying
them around until they are dropped to the opposite side of the drum, creating an impact crushing
effect. The contents then roll within them with an abrading and grinding action until the shelf plate
impacts and the cycle is repeated. After the prescribed number of revolutions, the content is
removed from the drum and the aggregate portion is sieved to measure the degradation as percent
loss.

Materials:

The test sample shall be washed and oven-dried at (105-110) ®C and separated into individual size
fractions and recombined to the grading table . Most nearly corresponding to the range of sizes in
the aggregate as furnished for the work.

Apparatus:

1. Los Angeles Machine.

2. Sieves.
3. Balance accurate to 0.5 gm.
4. Oven. And containers.
5. Charge – The Charge must consist of steel spheres averaging (46.8mm) in diameter and each
weighing between 390 to 445gm. The charge, depending upon the grading of the test sample as
follows:

Grading No: of spheres Wt of charge (gm)

A 12 5000+25
B 11 4584+25
C 8 3330+20
D 6 2500+15
Procedure:
1. Put the sample of coarse aggregate in an oven at 105°C to get oven-dry sample.
2. Prepare the sample, then Weigh and record its weight to the nearest 1gm.
3. Place the test sample and charge in the Los Angeles testing machine and rotate the
machine at 30to33 round/mm for 500. Revolutions.
4. Discharge the material from the machine and make preliminary separation of the sample a
sieve coarser then (1.7mm).The finer portion shall then be sieved on a 1.7mm sieve.
5. The material coarser then the 1.7mm sieve shall be washed, oven dried at 105 oC to
substantially constant weight, and weighed to the nearest 5gm.

Calculations:

%Abrasion = wt of passing sieve (1.7mm) x 100

wt. of initial sample
Note:
ASTM Specifications C33-86 requires that the abrasion percent should not exceed 50% for coarse
aggregate used in concrete mixes.

METHOD STATEMENT:
“FLAKINESS INDEX”
BS-812

Introduction:
 This method is based on the classification of aggregate particles as flaky when they have a
thickness (smallest dimension) of less than 0.6 of their nominal size, this size being taken as the mean
of the limiting sieve apertures used for determining the size fraction in which the particle occurs. The
flakiness Index of an aggregate sample is found by separating the flaky particles and expressing their
mass as a percentage of the mass of the sample tested. The test is not applicable to material passing
a 6.30 mm BS test sieve or retained on a 63.0 mm BS test sieve.

Apparatus:

The following apparatus is required.

1. A metal thickness gauge
2. BS test sieves.
3. A balance accurate to 0.5% of mass of the test sample.

Sample for test:

A Minimum of 200 pieces of each fraction to be tested are taken and weighed.

Procedure:

1. Seive the Sample by sorting the sieve with respect to the opening mentioned in the
thickness gauge . Discard the materials which are over 63mm and below 6.3mm

2. Separate the material by

seiveing withrespect to the following table.
3. The Separated seived material
is now made to pass through the openings in
the thickeness guage corresponding to the
Sieve Size.
4. Material passing through each
thickness gauge is separately weighed and
noted.
 5. Then the Flakiness index is calculated using the formulae in the calculation,

Calculation:

Weight of Aggregate in Thickness Gauge (0.6 SIZE OF AGGREGATE

Each fraction Passing Times The mean Seive)
Thickness (gm.) (mm) Retained on Sieve Passing Through Sieve
(mm) (mm)
33.90 50 63
26.25 37.5 50
19.65 28 37.5
14.40 20 28
10.20 14 20
07.20 10 14
04.89 6.3 10

Flakiness index = Total weight of Material Passing Through

Various thickness gauge x 100
Total Weight of Sample Taken

Average of two reading is reported as final.

FLAKINESS INDEX:

The flakiness index of aggregates is the percentage by particles whose least dimension (thickness) is less
than 3/5th (0.6) of their mean dimension. The test is not applicable to sizes smaller than 6.3mm.

METHOD STATEMENT: “ELONGATION INDEX”

Aim: To determine the Elongation Index of the given aggregate sample.
Apparatus: Length gauge.

Procedure:

1. The sample is sieved through

sieves specified in the table. A
minimum of 200 aggregate
pieces of each fraction is
taken and weighed.
2. Each fraction is thus gauged
individually for length in a length gauge. The gauge length is used should be those specified in
the table for the appropriate material.
3. The pieces of aggregates from each fraction tested which could not pass through the
specified gauge length with its long side are elongated particles and they are collected
separately to find the total weight of aggregate retained on the length gauge from each
fraction.
4. The total amount of elongated material retained by the length gauge is weighed to an
accuracy of atleast 0.1 % of the weight of the test sample.
5. The elongation index is the total weight of the material retained on the various length
gauges, expressed as a percentage of the total weight of the sample gauged.

Calculation:

Weight of Aggregate in Length Gauge (1.8 SIZE OF AGGREGATE

Each fraction Retained Times The mean Seive)
on Length Gauge (gm.) (mm) Retained on Sieve Passing Through Sieve
(mm) (mm)
- 50 63
78.75 37.5 50
58.95 28 37.5
43.20 20 28
30.60 14 20
21.60 10 14
14.70 6.3 10

Elongation index = Total weight of Material Retained on

Various Length gauge x 100
Total Weight of Sample Taken
Average of two reading is reported as final.

METHOD STATEMENT:
“Unit Weight and Voids in Aggregate in its compacted
or loose condition”
(ASTM C 29)
Scope:

This test method covers the

determination of unit weight in a
compacted or loose condition and
calculation of voids in fine and coarse
aggregates. This test method is applicable to aggregates not exceeding (100mm) in N.M.S.

Materials:

Sample of, preferably, oven dry fine aggregate and another of oven-dry coarse aggregate.

Apparatus:

1. A balance accurate to 0.5gm.

2. Measure: A cylindrical metal measure preferably provided with
handles. Its capacity shall conform to the limits below:

N.M.S (mm) Capacity of measure (m3)

12.5 0.0028
25 0.0093
37.5 0.014
100 0.028

Note: - The indicated size measure may be used to test aggregate of

N.M.S equal to or smaller than that listed.
3. Tamping Rod (A round, straight steel rod (l6mm) in diameter and approximately 600mm in length
with a rounded to a hemispherical tip.
4. Containers and shovel or scoop.

Procedure:
A- Calibration of the measure:
1- Fill the measure with water at room temperature and cover with a piece of plate glass in
such away as to eliminate bubbles and excess water.
2- Determine the weight of the water in the measure.
3-Measure the temperature of water and determine its density from table below:-
4- Calculate the volume, V of the measure by dividing the weight of water required to fill the
measure by its density.

Note: Use interpolating if necessary.

Density of water
Temperature (0C) Density (kg/m3)
15.6 999.01
18.3 998.54
21.1 997.97
23 997.54
23.9 997.32 %void= (S )(W) – (M) x100
26.7 996.59 ( S) (W)
29.4 995.83 Where S = bulk specific gravity (from tests 2+3)
Note: Use interpolating if necessary. W= density of water (1000kg/m3)

B- Procedure of the test:- Note: Normal-Weight aggregate density: (1280-1920)

kg/m3
1. Weigh the cylinder (empty).
2. Fill the cylinder to overflowing by means of a shovel or scoop, discharging the aggregate
from a height not to exceed 50mm above the top the cylinder edge. Exercise care to prevent,
so far as possible, segregation of the particle sizes of which the sample in composed. Level
the surface of the aggregate with the fingers or straight edge in such way that any slight
projections of the larger pieces of the coarse aggregate approximately balance the larger
voids in the surface below the top of the cylinder
3. Determine the weight of the measure plus its contents, and calculate the weight of the
aggregate by subtracting the empty weight of the cylinder.
4. Empty the cylinder and refill it again to one third of its height and rod the layer of
aggregate with (25) strokes of the tamping rod evenly distributed over the surface. Fill the
cylinder two-thirds full and again level and rod as previous. Finally, of the cylinder to
overflowing and rod again in the manner previously mentioned. Level the surface of the
aggregate with the fingers or a straight edge in such away as that mentioned in (step 3).
5. In Roding the first layer, do not allow the rod to strike the bottom of the measure forcibly.
In Roding the second layer and third layer, use only enough force to cause the tamping rod to
penetrate the previous layer of aggregate.
6. Determine the weight of the measure plus its contents and calculate the Unit wt. of
aggregate.
7. Repeat the same procedure for the fine aggregate sample.

Calculations:
1-Unit weight: calculate the unit weight for the rodding or shoveling procedure follows:-
M = ( G-T )/ V
Where :-
M= unit weight of the aggregate (kg/m3)
G= Weight of the aggregate plus the cylinder (kg)
T= Weight of the empty cylinder (kg)
V= Volume of the cylinder (m3)
Note: The unit weight determined by this test method is for aggregate in an oven dry condition
 METHOD STATEMENT:
“Sieve Analysis of fine and coarse aggregates”
(ASTM C 136)
Scope:

This method covers the determination of the particle size distribution of fine and coarse aggregate by
sieving.

Materials:

1. The weight of test sample of fine aggregate shall be, after drying, approximately (300 gm Min).
2. The weight of test sample of coarse aggregate shall confirm to the following:
N.M.S (mm) Minimum Weight (kg)
9.5 1
12.5 2
19 5
25 10
37.5 15
50 20
63 35
Apparatus:
1. Balance: For fine aggregate accurate for (0.1% of test Load). coarse aggregate accurate for
(0.1% of test Load).
2. Containers to carry the sample.
3. Oven.
4. Mechanical Sieve shaker if needed.
5. Two sets of sieve:-
For fine aggregate [No.4, No.8, No.16, No.30, No.50, No.100m,No 200mm]
For coarse aggregate [50mm, 37.5mm , 25mm, 19mm , 12.5mm, 9.5mm, No.4 ]
In addition this to a pan and a cover for each set.

Procedure:

o Reduce the Sample to the Testing size by quartering to the amount as specified w.r.t
to the NMS.
o Dry the Sample in the oven at 110 ± 5°C to a constant mass.
o In case if the coarse aggregate is coated with the fine aggregate , the sample shall be
washed for accurate determination. For the particle size less then 12.5mm then
washing of sample must be done, for the larger coarse aggregate may not be required
if the available time for testing is less.
o Sieve shaker should be used for the size of sample more than 20 kg and need to be
sieved for 10min. for lesser size manual sieving or sieve shaking can be done.
o Nest the Sieve in the increasing order with a pan at bottom and cover at the top
[50mm, 37.5mm , 25mm, 19mm , 12.5mm, 9.5mm, No.4 ,]
o Initially perform the sieve analysis for the coarse aggregate in order to prevent
excessive loading on the sieve.
o Separate the material coarser than 4.75mm.
o Agitate the sieve by placing the Set on the Mechanical sieve Shaker for 10min.
o Open the set of Sieve carefully so that no loosing of materials is expected
o Weigh the retained weight in each sieve and tabulate the result.
o The total mass of the material after sieving should check closely with original mass of
sample placed on the sieves. If the amounts differ by more than 0.3 %, based on the
original dry sample mass, the results should not be used for acceptance purposes
o Take about 500 gms of fine aggregate
o Nest the Sieve in the increasing order with a pan at bottom and cover at the top.
[No.4, No.8, No.16, No.30, No.50, No.100m,No 200mm]
o Agitate the sieve manually for sufficient peroid.
o the set of Sieve carefully so that no loosing of materials is expected
o Weigh the retained weight in each sieve and tabulate the result.
o The Results are calculated and the particle size distribution shall be plotted in Semi log
Graph.
 o The total mass of the material after sieving should check closely with original mass of
sample placed on the sieves. If the amounts differ by more than 0.3 %, based on the
original dry sample mass, the results should not be used for acceptance purposes

Sieve Analysis Worksheet

Gravel Section

Sieve Size Individual Cumulative Cumulative Specs

Retained Percent Percent Interpolated
US Mm Weight Retained Passing Percent Passing Max Min

6.00" 150.00

4.00" 100.00

3.00" 75.00

2.50" 63.00

2.00" 50.00

1.75" 45.00

1.50" 37.50
Accuracy Check= Orig. Weight- [Link] x 100
1.25" 31.50 Original Weight
1.00" 25.00
Fines Section
7/8" 22.40

3/4" 19.00 Before Wash

Weight: 384.4
5/8" 16.00

1/2" 12.50 301.0 7.48 92.52

Weight
3/8" After Wash Weight:
9.50 384.5 354.2
17.04 check
82.96 384.2

1/4" 6.30
Wash loss 30.2
#4 4.75 628.0 32.65 67.35

Pan Weight 2707.5

Original Percent Cumulative
Sieve Size Individual Retained Cumulative Percentage Specs
Weight Weight Percent
Weight Retained total Passing
US mm Check 4021.0 4023.0 Passing 0.05% ,<0.3
Accuracy: Max Min

#8 2.36 96.4 25.1 74.9 50.5

#10 2.00 21.8 30.7 96.3 46.6

#16 1.18 66.5 48.0 52 35

#20 0.85

#30 0.600 75.2 67.6 32.1 21.8

#40 0.425 35.9 77 23 15.5

 #50 0.300 22.3 82.8 17.2 11.6

#60 0.250

#80 0.180

#100 0.150 25.1 89.3 10.7 7.2

#140 0.106

#170 0.090

#200 0.075 9.7 91.81 8.19 5.52

Pan 1.1

[Link]= Sum of all

individual retained
Weight+wash loss+ weight retained in pan

Accuracy Check= Orig. Weight- [Link] x 100

Original Weight
= (384.4-384.2/384.4) x 100 = 0.05 < 0.3

Percentage total Sample=

[( Cumm. Percent Passing No.4) x (Cumm. Percentage Passing Smaller Sieve)]/100

= [(67.35*74.9)]/100 = 50.5

“Standard Specification for Concrete Aggregates”

 (ASTM C 33)

METHOD STATEMENT:
“Materials Finer than 75μm (No. 200) Sieve
in Mineral
Aggregate by Washing ”
(ASTM C117)
Scope: This test method covers determination of the
amount of materials finer than a 75μm (N0.200) sieve in
aggregate by washing. Clay particles and other aggregate
particles that are dispersed by the wash water, as well as
water –soluble materials, will be removed from the aggregate
during the test.
Materials : The mass of the test sample, after drying , shall conform with the following:
Nominal Max. Size Minimum Mass (gm)
4.5mm or smaller 300
9.5mm 1000
19mm 2500
37.5mm or larger 5000
Apparatus:
1- Balance accurate to 0.1% of the test mass
2- Sieves: 75μm (No.200) sieve + 1.18mm (No.16) sieve .
3- Container.
4- Oven.
Procedure:
1- Dry the test sample to constant mass at a temperature
of 110±5oC Determine the mass to the of the test sample.
2- Place the test sample in the container and add
sufficient water to cover it. Agitate the sample to result
in complete separation of all particles finer than the
75μm (No.200) sieve from the coarser particles, and to
bring the fine materials into suspension. Immediately
pour the wash water containing the suspended and
dissolved solids over the nested sieves, arranged with the coarser sieve on top.
3- Add a second charge of water to the sample in the container, agitate , and decant as before.
Repeat this operation until the wash water is clear. on the nested sieve by flushing to the washed
sample . Dry the washed sample to constant mass at a temp. of 110 + 5 oC and determine the mass
to the nearest 0.1% of the original mass of the sample .
5- Calculate the amount of materials passing 75μm (No.200) sieve by washing as follows:

A= 100 x {(B-C)/B}

Where :
A = percentage of material finer than 75μm sieve by washing .
B = Original dry mass of sample .(gm)
C = Dry mass of sample after washing.(gm)

METHOD STATEMENT:
“CLAY LUMPS AND FRIABLE PARTICLES IN AGGREGATE”
(ASTM-C-142)
Purpose:
Clay and friable particles may be present in the form of lumps in natural aggregates. If they are near
the surface, these lumps can cause pitting under the influence of traffic. Specifications frequently
limit these particles to a maximum of 1%.

Equipment And Materials

 Weighing device accurate to 0.1%

  Flat pans for spreading the test specimens in a thin layer
 Sieves as called for in the Testing Procedure
 Drying oven capable of maintaining a free circulating air temperature of 110°±5°C (230°±9°F)
 Required amount of Test samples

Test Procedure

1. Test samples shall be prepared in accordance with ASTM Designation: C 117, and after oven
drying at 110°±5°C (230°±9°F), shall consist of the following quantities: Fine aggregates shall
consist of particles retained on a 1.18-mm (No. 16) sieve and weigh at least 25 grams. Coarse
aggregate sizes and minimum quantities per sample are as follows:

Size of Particles Making Up Test Sample Minimum Weight of Test Sample

in Grams
4.75 to 9.5 mm (No. 4 to 3/8 inch sieves) 1000

9.5 to 19.0 mm (3/8 to .3/4inch sieves) 2000

19.0 to 37.5 mm (3/4 to 1.5 inch sieves) 3000

Retained on 37.5 mm (1.5 inch sieve) 5000

Where the test sample consists of both fine and coarse aggregates, the material is separated on a
4.75-mm (No. 4) sieve. The fine and coarse fractions are then handled as above.

2. The weighed specimens are spread in a thin layer on the bottom of a container and covered with
distilled water for about 24 hours.
3. Roll and squeeze the individual particles between the thumb and forefinger. Try to break down
the particles but only with the thumb and forefinger. Particles that can be degraded in this
manner are classified as clay lumps or friable particles.
4. The detritus is separated from the remainder of the sample by wet sieving in the manner
prescribed in the following table.

Size of Particles Making Up Test Size of Sieve for Removing Residue

Sample Particles
Fine Aggregate (Retained on 1.18mm) 850 μm (No. 20)

4.75 to 9.5 mm (No. 4 to 3/8 inch) 2.36 mm (No. 8)

9.5 to 19.0 mm (3/8 to 3/4 inch) 4.75 mm (No. 4)

19.0 to 37.5 mm (3/4 to 1.5 inches) 4.75 mm (No. 4)

Over 37.5 mm (1.5 inches) 4.75 mm (No. 4)

Agitate the sieve during the wet sieving operation to assure removal of all undersized particles.
 5. Remove the retained particles and dry to a constant weight in the oven at a temperature of 110°±5°C
(230°±9°F). Allow the aggregates to cool and weigh to nearest 0.1%.

CALCULATIONS
P = [(W − R)/W] × 100

P = % of clay lumps and friable particles

W = weight of the test sample

R = weight of particles retained on the designated sieve in wet sieving

For coarse aggregates, P shall be based upon the weighted average of the clay lumps and friable particles
in each sieve size fraction. Any coarse aggregate fraction that is less than 5% of the total gradation shall
not be tested separately. That coarse aggregate fraction shall be assumed to contain the same percent of
clay lumps and friable particles as that found in the next larger or smaller coarse aggregate fraction.

“Sand Equivalent Value of Soils and Fine Aggregate”

(ASTM D 2419)

Overview:
The sand equivalent test (Figure 1) is a rapid field test to show the relative
proportions of fine dust or clay-like materials in fine aggregate (or granular
soils). The term “sand equivalent” expresses the concept that most fine
aggregates are mixtures of desirable coarse particles (e.g., sand) and
generally undesirable clay or plastic fines and dust. These materials can coat aggregate particles and
prevent proper asphalt binder-aggregate bonding. In the sand equivalent test, a sample of aggregate
passing the No. 4 (4.75 mm) sieve and a small amount of flocculating solution are poured into a
graduated cylinder and are agitated to loosen the clay-like coatings from the sand particles. The
sample is then irrigated with additional flocculation solution forcing the clay-like material into
suspension above the sand. After a prescribed sedimentation period, the height of flocculated clay
and height of sand are determined and the sand equivalent is expressed as a ratio of the height of
sand over the height of clay. Higher sand equivalent values indicate “cleaner” (less fine dust or clay-
like materials) aggregate.
Minimum specified sand equivalent values for fine aggregate in HMA range from 26 to 60 with the
most common being 45. The requirement is also dependent upon the type of HMA layer (e.g., base
course or surface course).

Equipment And Materials

Calcium Chloride Solution
Irrigation Tube
Graduated cylinder
Sample Tin – 3 Nos.
Funnel
Damp Cloth
Plastic Splitting Cloth
Pan
Trowel or Spatual
Water Bottle
Weighted foot assembly
Timer , Shaker
Test Procedure

Sample Preparation

1. Obtain a sample of aggregate passing the No. 4 (4.75 mm) sieve and then reduce it to
testing size. Should be approximately 1000 to 1500 grm of unwashed minus number
four material.

(Be sure to wash off all

fines attached to particles
retained on the No. 4
(4.75 mm) sieve and
include them in the sand
equivalent sample.)

2. Place the sample in a pan

3. If the sample is dry, you

will need to add water
and thoroughly mix until
it is damp enough to hold
a cast. If the sample is already damp you may not need to add water. In either case
the sample must be moist enough to hold the light cast when squeezed in your hand.
It is important to thoroughly mix the sample so the moisture content is uniform.
 4. After you have determined the moisture is at right content, cover it with damp cloth
for at least 15min. This allows the aggregate to absorb moisture. Make sure the cloth
does not come in contact with the sample.

5. Pour the Sample onto a non absorbent splitting polythene sheet and mix. Mix the
sample by pulling corner to corner. Mixing the material this way is similar to the test
sample for reducing the sample on a quartering cloth.

6. After thoroughly mixing, the sample should be in the centre of the non absorbent
splitting polythene sheet.

7. Take one of the Sample container and place a hand on one side of pile and sample
container on the other side of the pile , push the can through the sample to your hand
on the opposite side, then firmly push the sample into the can with your hand to
cause it to overfill , strike off the material above the top of the can and cover.

8. Next, remix the sample, putting the cloth from corner to corner bringing the sample
over the top of itself. Take the second tin and repeat the procedure, bringing the
sample container in your hand together, pushing the material into the sample can.
Strike off the top of the can and cover.
After Sample Preparation

1. Pour 4 ±0.1 inch calcium chloride into the graduated cylinder.

2. Add the material from one of the tin into the cylinder using funnel.

3. Take care not to lose any material.

4. Sharply strike the bottom of the cylinder with the palm of your hand to remove any air
bubbles that may be trapped in the bottom of the cylinder

5. Now, let the sample stand undisturbed for 10 ± 1 min.

6. Securely place the stopper on the cylinder.

7. And shake loose the material from the bottom.

8. Place the cylinder into the mechanical shaker for 45±1 sec.

9. After the 45 second shake period, remove the cylinder from the shaker and then
remove the stopper, being careful not to lose any material .

10. Then add calcium chloride solution up to the 15 inch line, when doing this wash any
material that may be sticking to the sides of the cylinder wall.
 11. When flushing the sample, push the irrigation tube down to the bottom of the sample
in a twisting turning motion while filling. This flushing and twisting will wash the fines.
From the bottom of the sample and bring them into suspension, continue this
procedure until you are close to 15inch mark.

12. When nearing the 15 inch mark, be prepared to pull out the irrigation tube at the
same time the cylinder fills to the 15 inch mark.

13. Let the sample sit and undisturbed for 20 minutes, plus or minus 15 sec. to allow
sedimentation to occur.

14. At the end of the 20 minutes sitting period, check the sample and determine the clay
reading. If the reading is in-between two marks, record to the next higher number.

15. Next take the weighted foot assembly and carefully lower it into the cylinder. Take the
sand reading. Again If the reading is in-between two marks, record to the next higher
number and then subtract by 10. 10 is the distance between the bottom of the
weighted foot and the reading indicator.

16. Repeat the process on the second sample.

17. Round the result of each test to the next higher whole number. Then average the two
numbers and again round the average up to the next higher whole number
Calculation :

Sand Equivalent = (B/A) X 100

B- Sand Reading.

A-Clay Reading
 ”Organic Impurities in Fine Aggregate for
Concrete”
(ASTM C 40)
Objective:
The Organic Impurities test is a widely used, simple procedure to
determine presence of organic
compounds in fine aggregates. This

method covers an approximate

determination of the presence of
possible injurious organic compounds in natural sands, which are to
be used in cement mortar or concrete. These may interfere with the
chemical reaction of hydration and may affect the strength of the
mortar or concrete where
the aggregates are used.

Apparatus
1. Glass bottles, oval, 355–473 mL clear glass, graduated in
milliliters, with screw type caps or rubber stoppers.
2. Glass color standard, mounted in a plastic holder with five organic color numbers, one
through five (Gardner Color Standard Numbers 5, 8, 11, 14, and 16, ASTM D 1544.

Reagent
Sodium hydroxide solution, 3%, prepared by dissolving 30 g of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) crystals in
970 mL of distilled water.

Procedure
1. Obtain a 300 g air-dried sample in accordance with D-702
2. If the fine aggregate consists of a combination
of sands, combine the sands in the
proportions by mass in which they are to be
used.
3. Fill the glass bottle to the 133 mL mark with
the material to be tested.
4. Add enough NaOH solution to the bottle to
cover the sample. Place cap or stopper on jar
and shake jar vigorously to remove air
bubbles.
5. Bring the solution level up to the 207 mL
mark, stopper, and shake again.
6. Allow the bottle and contents to stand
undisturbed for 24 hours.
7. At the end of the 24-hour standing period,
compare the color of the supernatant liquid
above the test sample with that of the Glass Color Standard, Organic Color No. 3 (Gardner
No. 11).
Note 1—Do not disturb the contents while handling the bottles to make the color
comparison, since this could cause the liquid to become cloudy.

Reporting:
Report results as lighter, darker, or equal to the standard. Test samples rated darker than the
standard.
”Soundness of Aggregate by use of
Sodium Sulfate or Magnesium Sulfate ”
(ASTM C-88)
Overview:
The soundness test determines an aggregate’s resistance to disintegration by weathering and, in
particular, freeze-thaw cycles. Aggregates that are durable (resistant to weathering) are less likely to
degrade in the field and cause premature HMA pavement distress and potentially, failure.

The soundness test repeatedly submerges an aggregate sample in a sodium sulfate or magnesium
sulfate solution. This process causes salt crystals to form in the aggregate’s water permeable pores.
The formation of these crystals creates internal forces that apply pressure on aggregate pores and
tend to break the aggregate (Figure 1). After a specified number of submerging and drying
repetitions, the aggregate is sieved to determine the percent loss of material .

Background
 Aggregates must be resistant to breakdown and disintegration from weathering (wetting/drying and
freezing/thawing) or they may break apart and cause premature pavement distress. Durability and
soundness are terms typically given to an aggregate’s weathering resistance characteristic.

Sulfate Soundness
This test subjects aggregate samples to repeated immersion in either sodium sulfate or magnesium
sulfate solution. Salt crystals that form during this test are intended to mimic ice crystals formed in
the normal water freeze-thaw process in the field. Wu, Parker and Kandhal (1998[1]) report that just
over half of the states have a sodium sulfate soundness requirement, while about one-fifth have a
magnesium sulfate soundness requirement.
Issues with Sufate Soundness Tests
In general, sulfate soundness tests can serve as a useful first evaluation of a particular aggregate or
as a confirming test for an aggregate with a long test and performance record. However, issues with
applicability, variability and relation to actual performance prevent the test from being meaningful
beyond this:
 Applicability. While aggregates used in unbound base courses usually contain small amounts of
water (usually 0.1 to 3 percent by weight), aggregates used in HMA usually do not contain
appreciable water because they are dried during production and are, if incorporated in a proper
HMA mix design, coated with a waterproofing film of asphalt binder (Roberts et al., 1996[2]).
Therefore, while freezing and thawing conditions may be important to unbound base course
aggregate, they may not be of concern to aggregate used in HMA. There is some question as to
whether or not soundness tests are applicable to HMA. Despite this, they seem to be at least
somewhat capable of differentiating between poor performing and well performing HMA pavement
aggregate (Wu, Parker and Kandhal, 1998[1]).
 Variability. Testing variability is poor for both the sodium and magnesium sulfate tests (it is worse for
the sodium sulfate test). The coefficient of variation for the sodium sulfate soundness test is 41% for
tests done in different laboratories meaning that it is unlikely two different laboratories will closely
agree on test results. The implication is that soundness testing should be done in one central
laboratory where close control over testing elements like temperature, timing controls, types of
containers and sieving methods can be maintained (Meininger, 2002).
 Relation to HMA Pavement Performance. The sodium and magnesium sulfate tests have been
widely criticized and many reports exist which describe their inability to accurately predict field
performance for specific aggregates (Roberts, et al., 1996[2]). For instance, some aggregates
containing carbonates of calcium or magnesium are chemically attacked by the sulfate solution
resulting in erroneously high measured losses (Meininger, 2002).

Test Description
Summary
An aggregate sample is subjected to a number of cycles (usually 5 cycles) of submergence in a sulfate
solution (either sodium sulfate, Na2SO4, or magnesium sulfate, MgSO4) followed by drying in air.
This process causes salt crystals to form in the aggregate’s water permable pores. Crystal formation
tends to create internal pressure and break the aggregate. After a specified number of cycles,
aggregate samples are washed and sieved to determine their mass loss. Aggregates are separated
into several size ranges and tested independently during the test. The final reported loss value
(reported as a percentage of total aggregate mass) is a weighted average of the mass loss of each
size range. Figure shows the sulfate chemical bottles and basket used to suspend the aggregate in
the sulfate solution.

Approximate Test Time

About 5 days. Each cycle involves between 16 and 18 hours of submergence in the sulfate solution
followed by 4 or more hours of drying. Therefore, about one cycle can be done per day with a typical
number of cycles being 5.

Basic Procedure
1. Prepare the sulfate solution. When used, the sodium sulfate solution’s specific gravity should be
between (1.154 to 1.171), and the magnesium sulfate solution’s specific gravity should be
between 1.297 and 1.306. Note: Either sodium sulfate or magnesium sulfate can be used
however; results from the two solutions will be significantly different.

Dissolve USP grade salt in water at a temperature of 25degree centigrade, sufficient salt of either
the anhydrous (MgSO4 or Na2SO4) or the crystalline hydrate (MgSO4 + 7H2O or Na2SO4 +
10H2O) form, to ensure not only saturation, but also the
presence of excess crystals when the solution is ready for
use in the tests. (See Table 2.) , Thoroughly stir the mixture
during the addition of the salt and allow the solution to
cool F). Allow the solution to remain undisturbed for at
least 48 hoursC (68–75to 20–24 before use.

Note 1—to reduce evaporation and prevent

contamination; keep the solution covered at all times
when access is not needed.

Prior to each use its specific Gravity need to be obtained,

When obtaining a specific gravity reading, obtain it prior to
stirring the solution. When tested, the specific gravity should range from 1.151 through 1.174 for
the sodium sulfate solution, or from 1.295 through 1.308 for the magnesium sulfate solution.

Discard a discolored solution, or filter it and check for specific gravity.

Table 2—Minimum Mass of Salt per Liter of Water

Salt MgSO4 Na2SO4

 Anhydrous 350 g 215 g

Crystalline 1400 g 700 g

Note 2— Some aggregates containing carbonates of calcium or magnesium are attacked

chemically by fresh sulfate solution, resulting in erroneously high measured losses. If this
condition is encountered or suspected, repeat the test using a solution that has been used
previously to test the same type of carbonate rock, provided that the solution meets the
requirements for temperature and specific gravity.

2. Prepare the fine aggregate.

3. Obtain a sample that is large enough to yield at least 100 g

of material on each of the following sieves: No. 50 (0.300
mm), No. 30 (0.600 mm), No. 16 (1.18 mm), No. 8 (2.36
mm) and No. 4 (4.75 mm). Note: If the sample contains less
than 5 percent of any of the above sizes then that size will not be tested.

4. Thoroughly wash the sample on a No. 50 (0.300 mm) sieve and dry it in an oven at 230°F (110°C).

5. Separate the different sizes using a nest of sieves. Sieve each size individually until no more
material passes through the sieve.

6. Obtain 100 g of each size, record the weight, and place in separate containers for the test.

7. Prepare the coarse aggregate.

Obtain enough material to yield at least the weights listed in Table 1.

Minimum Mass of Specimen

Sieve Size
U.S. Metric (mm)
2 inches 50 mm 3000 g
1.5 inches 37.5 mm 2000 g
1.0 inches 25.0 mm 1000 g
0.75 inches 19.0 mm 500 g
0.5 inches 12.5 mm 670 g
0.375 inches 9.5 mm 330 g
No. 4 4.75 mm 300 g
Table 1: Sample Mass Requirements
If the sample contains less than 5 percent of any of the above sizes then that size will not be
tested.

8. Thoroughly wash the sample on a No. 50 (0.300 mm) sieve (and dry it in an oven at 230°F
(110°C).
9. Separate the different sizes using a nest of sieves. Sieve each size individually until no more
material passes through the sieve.

10. Weigh out quantities of the different sizes

Combine the 2 inch (50 mm) and 1.5 inch (37.5 mm) material to yield a 5000 g sample.

Combine the 1 inch (25.0 mm) and 0.75 inch (19.0 mm) material to yield a 1500 g sample.

Combine the 0.5 inch (12.5 mm) and 0.375 inch (9.5 mm) material to yield a 1000 g sample.

Record the masses of each fractional component and the masses of each combined test
sample. In the case of sizes larger than 0.75 inches (19.0 mm), record the number of particles
in the test samples.

11. Place each sample in separate containers for the test.

12. Immerse the samples in the prepared solution of sodium sulfate or magnesium sulfate for 16
to 18 hours. Cover the containers to reduce evaporation and prevent contamination and
maintain the temperature between 20.3 to 21.9°C for the immersion period

13. Remove the samples and allow them to drain for 15 minutes.

14. Place the samples into an oven set at 230°F (110°C).

15. Allow the samples to dry until the change in mass is less than 0.1 percent over a 4 hour period
(the weight is checked on four hour intervals without letting the sample cool).

16. After the samples reach constant mass allow the samples to cool to 68 to 77°F (20 to 25°C);
cooling may be aided by the use of an air conditioner or fan.

17. Repeat the immersion process (steps 11 through 16) until the specified number of cycles is
obtained (five cycles are normally performed).

18. After the final cycle is complete and the sample has cooled, wash the sample.

19. Do not impact or abrade the sample while washing because this could break particles and
cause inaccurate results.

20. Check the thoroughness of washing by obtaining a sample of rinse water after it has passed
through the samples and adding 0.2 M barium chloride. If the sample water becomes cloudy
when the barium chloride is added then continues to wash the sample.

Any water supplies will react with barium chloride even before washing the sample; in these
cases the barium chloride check will not work and other analytical methods should be used to
assure thorough washing.

21. After washing is complete, dry each fraction of the sample to a constant mass in an oven at
230°F (110°C).
 22. Examine the fine aggregate.

23. Sieve the fine aggregate over the same sieve on which it was retained before the test and in
the same method as was used in preparing the test samples

24. Determine the mass of the material retained on each sieve.

25. The difference between the amount retained at the end of the test and the initial amount of
the samples is the loss in the test and is expressed as a percentage of the initial mass.

26. Examine the coarse aggregate.

1. Use Table 2 to determine which sieve to use to sieve the material when determining
loss.

Aggregate Size Sieve Used

U.S. Metric U.S. Metric
≥ 1.5 inches ≥ 37.5 mm 1.25 inches 31.5 mm
1.5 to 0.75 inches 37.5 to 19.0 mm 5/8 inch 16.0 mm
0.75 to 0.375 inches 19.0 to 9.5 mm 5/16 inch 8.0 mm
0.375 inches to No. 4 9.5 to 4.75 mm No. 5 4.0 mm
Table 2: Sieve Used to Determine Loss Based on Aggregate Size
27. Sieve the coarse material by hand with agitation sufficient only to assure that all undersize
material passes the designated sieve.

28. Determine the mass of the material retained on the sieve.

29. The difference between the amount retained at the end of the test and the initial amount of
the samples is the loss in the test and is expressed as a percentage of the initial mass (this is
the quantitative examination).

30. For samples coarser than 0.75 inches (19.0 mm), separate the particles of each test sample
into groups according to the action produced by the test (i.e. disintegration, splitting,
crumbling, cracking, flaking, etc). Record the number of particles showing each type of
distress (this is the qualitative examination).

Result Specifications
Material Value Specification HMA Distress of Concern
Aggregate % Loss Varies1 Deformation, rutting
Table 3: Source Property Soundness Specifications
Note 1 Percent loss specifications vary from agency to agency but typically specify a number of cycles
(most often 5) and a maximum percent loss (e.g., 12 percent). For example, ASTM D 692, Coarse
Aggregate for Bituminous Paving Mixtures, specifies 5 cycles and a maximum percent loss of 12
percent when the sodium sulfate is used or 18 percent when the magnesium sulfate is used.
 Typical Values:
Typical values depend upon the type of soundness test used. The sodium sulfate loss is typically
between about 0 and 15 percent, while the magnesium sulfate loss is typically between about 0 and
30 percent. For a particular aggregate sample, the sodium sulfate loss will tend to be less than the
magnesium sulfate loss by 0 to 20 percent with 5 to 10 percent being most typical.

Calculations (Interactive Equation)

=Weight of Average /100*C28

SOUNDNESS OF AGGREGATE
( ASTM C - 88 )

Grading Weight Weight Weight Percent Weight

Sieve Size of of of of of of
Test Passing Passing
Orignal Test Frictions Frictions Finer Finer Average
Sieve Sieve Correcte
Sample Before Test After Test After After d
Actual Actual
Loss Loss Percent
Passing Retained (%) (g) (g) (g) (%) Loss
2 1/2" 1 1/2" - - - - - -

1 1/2" 3/4" 8.3 - - - - -

3/4" 3/8" 36.3 1003.5 996.1 7.4 0.74 0.27

3/8" # 04 43.8 301.2 296.1 5.1 1.69 0.74

No. 04 Passing 11.6 - - - - -
TOTAL 100 - - - - -
PERCENT OF AVERAGE TOTAL WEIGHT = 1.01

Soundness Test Set up

Gilson offers testing components for the Sulfate Soundness Test separately, allowing users to build
the system that best meets their needs. Soundness testing of aggregates in sodium sulfate or
magnesium sulfate solutions uses repeated soaking, drying and rehydration cycles to simulate
damage to aggregates caused by natural freeze-thaw action. Salts are deposited in voids during
soaking, crystallize upon drying and expand when rehydrated.
Sample Sieves with aggregate specimens are stacked in Sieve Holders and immersed in Solution
Buckets containing the sulfate solution. After the final cycle, specimens are immersed in the Washing
Tank for rinsing with hot water. Solution Hydrometers and Precision Thermometers are used when
mixing the solution and during testing.

The Cooling/Heating Circulator and Water Bath Tank are useful if there is difficulty maintaining the
solution temperature at the required 70 ±2ºF (21 ±1ºC). The Solution Buckets can be immersed in the
Water Bath Tank, with temperature-controlled tap water flowing from the circulator to maintain
proper temperature.

Sulfate Soundness Test Sieves

8in Sample Sieve Holder

Solution Bucket for 8in Sieve Holder

Sulfate Soundness Washing Tank

Hydrometers

Heating/Cooling Circulator

Water Bath Tank

 Data Logging Thermometer

ASTM 63F Precision Use Mercury Thermometer, 18°— 89°F

ASTM S63F Non-Mercury Thermometer, 18°— 89°F

“Standard Test Method for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil

Using Standard Effort and Modified Effort”
 ASTM D 698 & ASTM D 1557
Theory:

Compaction is the process of densification of soil by reducing air voids. The degree of compaction of

a given soil is measured in terms of its dry density. The dry density is maximum at the optimum

water content. A curve is drawn between the water content and the dry density to obtain the

maximum dry density and the optimum water content.

Equipments for Compaction Test of Soil (Proctor’s Test):

1. Compaction mould, capacity 1000ml.

2. Rammer, mass 2.6 kg.

3. Detachable base plate.

4. Collar, 60mm high.

5. Sieve

6. Oven

7. Weighing balance, accuracy 1g.

8. Large mixing pan

09. Straight edge.

10. Spatula

11. Graduated jar

12. Mixing tools, spoons, trowels, etc.

Procedure:
1. Take about 20kg of air-dried soil.
Sieve it through 19mm, 9.5 mm and
4.75 mm sieve.
2. Calculate the percentage retained on 19mm, 9.5 mm and 4.75 mm sieve, for the compaction
Select the type of Method as per the Table.

Oven dry the sample to determine the oversize fraction. Calculate as per ASTM D4718.

Percentage of coarse= retained oven dried weight/ (retained+passing) oven dried weight

Percentage of Fine = 100 - Percentage of coarse

With respect to the type of material used for type A & B oversize correction is done on No. 4 Sieve
and for Type C oversize correction is done on 19mm Sieve.

3. Select the Method A, B or C depending the particle size of the material.

4. Take about 10 kg of Sample, At least 10 kg of sample must pass through respective sieve.

5. Mix and Weigh Approximately 2.5 kg of sample, weigh equal amount in four or five respective pan
or bowl. For type C the amount to be taken would be 5.5 kg each.

6. Select the water content in such a way that 2 specimen shall have a water content less than OMC
and 2 greater than OMC.

7. Generally water Content is increased by 2%.

8. Thoroughly mix each sub Specimen with scoop, do not mix with hand, it would tend to lose some
moisture.

9. Standing time of test specimen must check with required standing time of moisturized specimen.

For Gravel and Sands there is no requirement, Gravelly and Sandy Silts- 3h, all other 16hr.

10. Cover the sample for the required period

11. Weigh and record the mass of the mould without collar attached.
12. Uncover the first Specimen and mix thoroughly.

13. Put cover on the mould, and scoop material into the mould to fill it 1/3rd or 1/5th depending on
the test method. And compact it with 25 or 56 blows depending on the test method.

14. Scratch the compacted surface with the knife or straight edge, before filling the second layer.

15. Fill the final layer in same manner. Final layer must be compacted to at least 5mm above the
collar not exceeding 1inch.

16.
Plac
e the
Straight edge against the top of the mould in sawing motion remove the sample to finish the surface.

17. Brush all side of mould to remove the soil stuck to the bottom of the mould during hammering
process.

18. Weigh soil and mould to record the weight.

19. Extract the soil using Hydraulic Jack.

20. Most consistent moisture can be obtained from weighing whole sample from the mould break
the sample and oven dry. Determine its moisture content.

21. Repeat the steps for remaining sample. Standard Proctor Curve is then generated.
 Standard Proctor Test equipment ( Mold & Hammer)

Standard Proctor compaction

test results for a silty clay

Calculations
Dry density of soil:

“Over Size (Rock Correction)”

ASTM D4718

Scope;
This practice presents a procedure for calculating
the unit weights and water contents of soils containing oversize particles when the data are known
for the soil fraction with the oversize particles removed.
This practice is based on tests performed on soils and soil-rock mixtures in which the portion
considered oversize is that fraction of the material retained on the No. 4 sieve. Based on these tests,
this practice is applicable to soils and soil-rock mixtures in which up to 40 % of the material is
retained on the No. 4 sieve.
The practice also is considered valid when the oversize
fraction is that portion retained on some other sieve, such as
the 3⁄4-in. sieve, practice is considered valid for materials
having up to 30 % oversize particles when the oversize
fraction is that portion retained on the 3⁄4-in. sieve.

Density Correction :

Dry densities are corrected for removed oversize material by

the ASTM D 4718 method using the following equation:

Γdc = γd x G
(( Po/ 100 )x (γd − G)) + G

Where:
γdc = the corrected dry density
γd = the uncorrected dry density
G = the bulk Specific Gravity of Oversize fraction
Po = the percent of oversize material
Moisture Correction :

Moisture contents are corrected for removed oversize material by the ASTM D 4718 method using
the following equation:

MCc = ((Po/ 100) x MCo) + (1 – (Po /100 )) x OMC

Where
MCc = the corrected moisture content, in percent
OMC = the uncorrected moisture content, in percent
MCo = the moisture content of the oversize materia, in percent
Po = the percent of oversize material

“Determination Of Bitumen Content In The Bituminous Mix”

ASTM D 2172
Purpose:
The test determines the bitumen content in the bituminous mix by cold solvent extraction.
Apparatus & Solvent
Centrifuge apparatus
Trichloroethylene
Procedure:
1. Take a representative sample of about 500 g, weigh it exactly and place it in the bowl of the
extraction apparatus (W1).
2. Cover the sample with commercial grade trichloroethylene.
3. Let the mixture stand for about one hour before starting the centrifugal machine.
4. Weigh the dried filter ring and then fit it around the edge of the bowl. Clamp the cover of the bowl
tightly.
5. Place a beaker under the drain to collect the extract.
6. The machine is revolved slowly and then gradually the speed is increased to a maximum of 3600
rpm. The speed is maintained till the solvent ceases to flow from the drain.
7. The machine is allowed to stop, 200 ml of solvent is added and the above procedure is repeated. A
number of 200 ml solvent additions are used till the extract is clear and not darker than a light straw
color.
8. Remove the fitter ring from the bowl, dry it first in the air and then in the oven at 115 degree C to
a constant weight, and weigh it.
9. Collect back the fine material that might have passed through the filter, by centrifuging. Wash and
dry the material to a constant weight, as before.
Calculation:
Calculate the percentage of binder in the bituminous mix sample as follows:
Percentage of Binder = [W1 – (W2 + W3 + W4) /W1] x 100
Where
W1 = Weight of the sample, g
W2 = Weight of the sample after extraction, g
W3 = Weight of the fine material recovered from the extract, g
W4 = Increase in weight of filter ring, g Record all the test data in a form as shown below.
“Unified Soil Classification System”
ASTM D 2487
Group Symbol Group Name
GW Well Graded Gravel
GP Poorly Graded Gravel
GW-GM Well Graded Gravel with Silt
GP-GM Poorly Graded Gravel with Silt
GW-GC Well Graded Gravel with Clay
GP-GC Poorly Graded Gravel with Clay
GM Silty Gravel
GM-GC Silty Gravel with Clay
GC Clayey Gravel
SW Well Graded Sand
SP Poorly Graded Sand
SW-SM Well Graded Sand with Silt
SP-SM Poorly Graded Sand with Silt
SW-SC Well Graded Sand with Clay
SP-SC Poorly Graded Sand with Clay
SM Silty Sand
SM-SC Silty Sand with Clay
SC Clayey Sand
OL Organic Silt or Organic Clay with Low Plasticity
ML Silt of Low Plasticity
ML-CL Silt of Low Plasticity with Clay
CL Low Plastic Clay
OH Organic Silt or Organic Clay with high Plasticity
MH Silt of High Plasticity
CH High Plastic Clay
“California Bearing Ratio Test”
ASTM D 1883

Purpose:
CBR is defined as the ratio of the test load to the standard load, expressed as percentage for a given

penetration of the plunger. CBR = (Test load/Standard load) ×100

The Purpose of CBR is to evaluate the Sub grade, Sub base, Base Coarse strength, The results are
hence necessary for determining the thickness of the Pavement.

Apparatus & Solvent

 The molds shall be cylindrical in shape, made of metal, with an internal diameter of 152.40 ±
0.66 mm (6.0 ± 0.026 in.) and a height of 177.80 ± 0.46 mm (7.0 ± 0.018 in.) provided with an
extension collar approximately 50 mm (2.0 in.) in height and a perforated base plate that can
be fitted to either end of the mold. It is desirable to have at least three molds for each soil to
be tested.
 Steel Cutting collar
 Spacer Disc
 Surcharge weight
 Dial gauges
 Sieves
 Penetration Plunger
 Loading Machine
 Miscellaneous Apparatus

Procedure:
 Initially set up the mould, by
placing the Spacer disc over the
perforated base plate with the
hole facing downward. Place Filter
paper over the Spacer Disc, Apply
lubricating oil to the inner sides of
the mould. To prevent stickiness of
soil to the mould. Then keep the
mould and fix the collar.
 If all material passes a 19.0-mm (3
/4-in.) sieve, the entire gradation shall be used for preparing specimens for compaction
without modification. If there is material retained on the 19.0-mm sieve, the material
retained on the 19.0-mm sieve shall be removed and replaced by an equal amount of
material passing the 19.0-mm sieve and retained on the 4.75-mm (No. 4) sieve obtained by
separation from portions of the sample not otherwise used for testing.
 Take approximately 7 kg of Representative Sample, for each mold. Add the water as derived
from Proctor Test. Mix the sample thorough to form a uniform mix. Allow the sample to
absorb water, by protecting the sample from preventing moisture loss.
 For the First Mould, Compact the sample in 5 Layer with 10 Blows. Determine its moisture
content and Dry Density. After compacting each layer scratch before adding another Layer.
 For the Second Mould, Compact the sample in 5 Layer with 25 Blows. Determine its moisture
content and Dry Density.
 For the Third Mould, Compact the sample in 5 Layer with 65 Blows. Determine its moisture
content and Dry Density.
  After compacting the top layer, remove the collar and trim of the top surface. Also remove
the base plate, remove the filter paper, note down the weight filled with soil, now remove
the spacer disc. place another filter paper at the bottom I.e. over the perforated base plate.
Place the Mould such that the compacted layer is at the bottom, and place annular mass of
2.5 kg and 2.5 kg slotted weight . Place the tripod fitted with dial gauge for measuring the
change in length after immersion of specimen in water for 96hrs. This is to stimulate the
worst condition in the field.
 After 96 hrs, remove the mould from the tank and
allow the water to drain off through perforated base
plate.
 Measure the Change in length and calculate the Swell
in percentage.
 Place the mould in the Testing Machine, The Machine
Consist of 50mm plunger, adjust the base of the
machine to plunger to just touch the soil.
 The loading is done at rate of 1.27mm/min.
 Note down the Reading at penetration as shown in the
Calculation.
 CBR at 2.5mm and 5mm Penetration is calculated with respect to the standard load.
 Standard Load at 2.5 mm Penetration is 1370 in kg & 70 in kg/cm2
 Standard Load at 5 mm Penetration is 2055 in kg & 105 in kg/cm2
 When the graph begins to concave up likely due to surface irregularities and so the zero point
must be adjusted, and corrected CBR Value Must be also determined.
 Generally the values at 2.5mm penetration will be higher, if the values at 5mm are higher
than CBR value is taken at 5mm Penetration.
 Plot Graph Unit Load vs Penetration
 Plot Graph Between CBR values and Dry Unit Weight.
 Determine CBR value at 95% Maximun Dry density.
 Determine CBR value at 100% Maximum Dry Density . Determine the value.

METHOD STATEMENT:
“Plastic Limit ”
ASTM D4318
Purpose: This test is done to determine the plastic limit of soil. The plastic limit of fine-grained
soil is the water content of the soil below which it ceases to be plastic. It begins to crumble when
rolled into threads of 3mm dia.
The apparatus used:
i) Porcelain evaporating dish.
ii) Spatula
iii) Container to determine moisture content
iv) Balance, with an accuracy of 0.01g
v) Oven
vi) Ground glass plate – 20cm x 15cm
vii) Rod – 3.2 mm dia.
Preparation Of Sample
Take out 30g of air-dried soil from a thoroughly mixed sample of the soil passing through 425µm
Mix the soil with distilled water in an evaporating dish and leave the soil mass for maturing. This
period may be up to 24hrs.

Procedure to determine The Plastic Limit Of Soil

i) Take about 8g of the soil and roll it with fingers on a glass plate. The rate of rolling should be
between 80 to 90 strokes per minute to form a 3mm dia. It is to be mixed with distilled water
thoroughly in the evaporating dish till the soil mass becomes plastic enough to be easily moulded
with fingers.
ii) If the dia. of the threads can be reduced to less than 3mm, without any cracks appearing, it means
that the water content is more than its plastic limit. Knead the soil to reduce the water content and
roll it into a thread again.
iii) Repeat the process of alternate rolling and kneading until the thread crumbles.
iv) Collect and keep the pieces of crumbled soil thread in the container used to determine the
moisture content.
v) Repeat the process at least twice more with fresh samples of plastic soil each time.

Reporting Of Results
The plastic limit should be determined for at least three portions of the soil passing through
425µm Sieve. The average water content to the nearest whole number should be reported.

METHOD STATEMENT:
“Liquid Limit ”
ASTM D4318
Sample Preparation Procedure for Liquid Limit

1. Select a 200 to 250 g specimen.

2. Adjust the water content of the specimen by adding distilled water and mixing on a glass
plate with a spatula. This specimen should be close to, but not past, the liquid limit of the soil.
[Link] the prepared soil in a container and let the specimen stand for at least 16 h.
Apparatus:
Liquid Limit Device - a mechanical device consisting of a brass cup suspended from a carriage
designed to control its drop onto a hard rubber base. The device may be operated by either a hand
crank or electric motor.

Cup - brass with mass (including cup hanger) of 185 to 215 g.

Cam - designed to raise the cup smoothly and continuously to its maximum height, over a distance of
at least 180o of cam rotation, without developing an upward or downward velocity of the cup
when the cam follower leaves the cam.

Flat Grooving Tool - a tool made of plastic or non-corroding metal having specified dimensions.

Gage - A metal gage block for adjusting the height of the drop of the cup to 10 mm.

Ground Glass Plate - used for rolling plastic limit threads.

Calibration of Apparatus:

Determine that the liquid limit device is clean and in working order. Adjust the height of drop of the
cup so that the point of the cup that comes in contact with the base rises to a height of 10 ± 0.2 mm.

Procedure for Liquid Limit:

1. Place a portion of the prepared sample in the cup of the liquid limit device at the point where
the cup rests on the base and spread it so that it is 10mm deep at its deepest point. Form a
horizontal surface over the soil. Take care to eliminate air bubbles from the soil specimen.
Keep the unused portion of the specimen in the storage container.
2. Form a groove in the soil by drawing the grooving tool, beveled edge forward, through the
soil from the top of the cup to the bottom of the cup. When forming the groove, hold the tip
of the grooving tool against the surface of the cup and keep the tool perpendicular to the
surface of the cup.
3. Lift and drop the cup at a rate of 2 drops per second. Continue cranking until the two halves
of the soil specimen meet each other at the bottom of the groove. The two halves must meet
along a distance of 13mm (1/2 in).
4. Record the number of drops required to close the groove.
5. Remove a slice of soil and determine its water content, w.
6. Repeat steps 1 through 5 with a sample of soil at a slightly higher or lower water content.
Whether water should be added or removed depends on the number of blows required to
close the grove in the previous sample.

Note: The liquid limit is the water content at which it will takes 25 blows to close the groove over a
distance of 13 mm. Run at least five tests increasing the water content each time. As the
water content increases it will take less blows to close the groove.
 “Relative Density of Cohessionless Soil ”
ASTM D4254
This method of test is intended for determining the relative density of cohesion less free-
draining soils for which impact compaction will not produce a well defined moisture density
relationship curve and the maximum density by impact methods will generally be less than by
vibratory methods
Soils for which this method is appropriate may contain up to 12 percent of soil particles passing a No.
200 (75µm) sieve, depending on the distribution of particle sizes, which causes them to have free-
draining characteristics. Relative density of cohesion less soils uses vibratory compaction to obtain
maximum density and pouring to obtain minimum density

Definition:
Relative density is defined as the state of compactness of a soil with respect to the loosest and
densest states at which it can be placed by the laboratory procedures described in this method.
It is expressed as the ratio of:
(1) the difference between the void ratio of cohesion less soil in the loosest state and any given
void ratio, to
(2) the difference between its void ratios in the loosest and densest states. Mathematical
expressions for this definition are presented in later paragraphs.

Apparatus:
The assembly of the apparatus is shown in Figure 1.
Individual components and accessories shall be as follows:
a) Vibratory Table. A steel table with a cushioned steel
vibrating deck about 30” x 30”, actuated by an
electromagnetic vibrator.
b) Molds. Cylindrical metal unit weight molds of 0.1 and 0.5
cu ft capacity.
c) Guide Sleeves.
d) Surcharge Base Plates.
e) Surcharge Weights.
f) Surcharge Base Plate Handle.
g) Dial Indicator Gage Holder.
h) Dial Indicator.
i) Calibration Bar

Calibration:

Determine the volume of the mold by direct measurement and check the volume by filling with
water as provided in a).
Determine the initial dial reading for computing the volumes of the specimen as provided in b).

a) Volume by Direct Measurement. Determine the average inside diameter and height of
the mold to 0.001 inches. Calculate the volume of the 0.1 cu ft mold to the nearest
0.0001 cu ft and the 0.5 cu ft mold to the nearest 0.0001 cu ft. Calculate also the
average inside cross-sectional area of the mold in square feet
 b) Initial Dial Reading. Determine the thickness of the surcharge base plate and the
calibration bar to 0.001 inches using a micrometer. Place the calibration bar across a
diameter of the mold along the axis of the guide brackets. Insert the dial indicator
gage holder in each of the guide brackets on the measure with the dial gage stem on
top of the calibration bar and on the axis of the guide brackets. The dial gage holder
should be placed in the same position in the guide brackets each time by means of
matchmarks on the guide brackets and the holder. Obtain six dial indicator readings,
three on the left side and three on the right side, and average these six readings.
Compute the initial dial reading by adding together the surcharge base plate thickness
and the average of the six dial indicator readings and subtract the thickness of the
calibration bar. The initial dial reading is constant for a particular measure and
surcharge base plate combination.
Dry the soil sample in an oven at a temperature of 230 ± 9 F (110 ± 5C). Process the soil
through a sieve with openings sufficiently small to break up all weakly cemented soil
particles.

Minimum Density Procedure:

Determine the minimum density (zero relative density), (maximum void ratio) as follows:
a) Select the pouring device and mold according to the maximum size of particle as indicated
on the chart in Sample section. Weigh the mold and record the weight. Use oven dried soil.
b) Place soil containing particles smaller than 3/8 inch as loosely as possible in the mold by
pouring the soil from the spout in a steady stream while at the same time adjusting the height
of the spout so that the free fall of the soil is 1 inch. At the same time, move the pouring
device in a spiral motion from the outside toward the center to form a soil layer of uniform
thickness without segregation. Fill the mold approximately 1 inch above the top and screed
off the excess soil level with the top by making one continuous pass with the steel straight-
edge. If all excess material is not removed, an additional continuous pass shall be made but
great care must be exercised during the entire pouring and trimming operation to avoid
jarring the mold.
c) Place soil containing particles larger than 3/8 inch by means of a large scoop (or shovel),
hold as close as possible to and just above the soil surface to cause the material to slide
rather than fall onto the previously placed soil. If necessary, hold large particles back by hand
to prevent them from rolling off the scoop. Fill the mold to overflowing but not more than 1
inch above the top. With the use of the steel straightedge (and the fingers when needed),
 level the surface of the soil with the top of the measure in such a way that any slight
projections of the larger particles above the top of the mold shall approximately balance the
larger voids in the surface below the top of the mold.
d) Weigh the mold and soil and record the weight.

Maximum Density Procedure:

Determine the maximum density (100 percent relative density, minimum void ratio) by either the dry
or wet method as follows:

a) Dry Method:
1 Mix the sample of oven dried soil to provide an even distribution of particle sizes with as little
segregation as possible.
2 Assemble the guide sleeve on top of the mold and tighten the clamp assemblies so that the inner
wall of the sleeve is in line with the inner wall of the mold. Tighten the lock nuts on the two set
screws equipped with lock nuts. Loosen the clamp assembly having no lock nuts. Remove the guide
sleeve. Weigh the empty mold and record the weight.
3 Fill the mold with soil by the procedure specified in b) or c). Min. Den. Proc.
4 Attach the guide sleeve to the mold and place the surcharge base plate on the soil surface. Lower
the surcharge base plate, using a hoist in the case of the 0.5 cu ft mold.
5 Set the vibrator control at maximum amplitude and vibrate the loaded specimen for 8 minutes.
Remove the surcharge weight and guide sleeve from the mold. Obtain and record dial indicator gage
readings on two opposite sides of the surcharge base plate, average, and record the average. Weigh
the mold and soil, if this has not been done in the minimum density determination or if an
appreciable amount of fines has been lost during vibration. Record the weight.

b) Wet Method:
1 The wet method may be conducted on oven dried soil to which sufficient water is added or, if
preferred, on wet soil from the field. If water is added to dry soil, allow a minimum soaking period of
½ hour.
2 Fill the mold with wet soil by means of a scoop or shovel. Add sufficient water to the soil to allow a
small amount of free water to accumulate on the surface of the soil during filling. The correct
amount of water can be estimated by a computation of the void ratio at expected maximum density
or by experimentation with the soil. During and just after filling the mold, vibrate the soil for a total
of 6 minutes. During this period, reduce the amplitude of the vibrator as much as necessary to avoid
excessive boiling and fluffing of the soil, which may occur in some soils. During the final minutes of
vibration, remove any water appearing above the surface of the soil.
3 Assemble the guide sleeve, surcharge base plate, and surcharge weight as described in Paragraph
a) 4).
4 Vibrate the specimen and surcharge weight for 8 minutes. After the vibration period, remove the
surcharge weight and guide sleeve from the mold. Obtain and record dial indicator gage readings on
two opposite sides of the surcharge base place. Carefully remove the entire wet specimen from the
mold and dry to constant weight. Weigh dry specimen and record.

Calculations:
a) Minimum Density. Calculate minimum density in pounds per cubic foot,
as follows:

b) Maximum Density. Calculate maximum density, in pounds per cubic foot as

follows:

Where:
Ws = weight of dry soil, pounds
Vc = calibrated volume of mold, cubic feet
Vf = volume of soil, cubic feet = Vc – (Ri – Rf ) / 12 x cu. ft.
Rf = final dial gage reading on the surcharge base plate after
completion of the vibration period, inches
Ri = initial dial gage reading, inches
A = cross-sectional area of mold, square feet, emax = void ratio
in loosest state, emin = void ratio in most compact state.

c) Density of Soil in Place. Determine the density of the soil in place, Yd, in a compacted fill or a
natural deposit in accordance with either the Method of Test for Density of Soil in Place by the Sand-
Cone Method ASTM Designation: D1556 or the Method of Test for Density of Soil in Place by the
Rubber-Balloon Method ASTM Designation: D2167.
d) Relative Density. Calculate relative density, Dd, expressed as a percentage
as follows :
e- the volume of voids divided by the volume of solid particle

“Standard Test Method for Density and Unit Weight of Soil in Place
by Sand-Cone Method”
ASTM D1556
Aim:

To determine the
field density of
soil at a given
location by sand replacement method.
Reference:

Determination of dry density of soils in place, by the sand replacement method

Apparatus:

1. Sand pouring cylinder

2. Calibrating can
3. Metal tray with a central hole
4. Dry sand (passing through 600 micron sieve)
5. Balance
6. Moisture content bins
7. Glass plate
8. Metal tray
9. Scraper tool

Theory And Application:

Determination of field density of cohesion less soil is not

possible by core cutter method, because it is not possible to
obtain a core sample. In such situation, the sand replacement
method is employed to determine the unit weight. In sand
replacement method, a small cylindrical pit is excavated and the weight of the soil excavated from
the pit is measured. Sand whose density is known is filled into the pit. By measuring the weight of
sand required to fill the pit and knowing its density the volume of pit is calculated. Knowing the
weight of soil excavated from the pit and the volume of pit, the density of soil is calculated.
Therefore, in this experiment there are two stages, namely

1. Calibration of sand density

2. Measurement of soil density

Procedure:
Stage-1 (Calibration Of Sand Density)

1. Measure the internal dimensions (diameter, d and height, h) of the calibrating can and compute
its internal volume, Vc = πd2h/4.
2. Fill the sand pouring cylinder (SPC) with sand with 1 cm top clearance (to avoid any spillover
during operation) and find its weight (W1)
3. Place the SPC on a glass plate, open the slit above the cone by operating the valve and allow the
sand to run down. The sand will freely run down till it fills the conical portion. When there is no
further downward movement of sand in the SPC, close the slit. Measure the weight of the sand
required to fill the cone. Let it be W2.
 4. Place back this W2 amount of sand into the SPC, so that its weight becomes equal to W1 (As
mentioned in point-2). Place the SPC concentrically on top of the calibrating can. Open the slit to
allow the sand to run down until the sand flow stops by itself. This operation will fill the
calibrating can and the conical portion of the SPC. Now close the slit and find the weight of the
SPC with the remaining sand (W3)

Stage-2 (Measurement Of Soil Density)

1. Clean and level the ground surface where the field density is to be determined
2. Place the tray with a central hole over the portion of the soil to be tested.
3. Excavate a pit into the ground, through the hole in the plate, approximately 12 cm deep (same
as the height of the calibrating can). The hole in the tray will guide the diameter of the pit to be
made in the ground.
4. Collect the excavated soil into the tray and weigh the soil (W)
5. Determine the moisture content of the excavated soil.
6. Place the SPC, with sand having the latest weight of W1, over the pit so that the base of the
cylinder covers the pit concentrically.
7. Open the slit of the SPC and allow the sand to run into the pit freely, till there is no downward
movement of sand level in the SPC and then close the slit.
8. Find the weight of the SPC with the remaining sand (W4).

Precautions

If for any reason it is necessary to excavate the pit to a depth other than 12 cm, the standard
calibrating can should be replaced by one with an internal height same as the depth of pit to be
made in the ground.

 Care should be taken in excavating the pit, so that it is not enlarged by levering, as this will result
in lower density being recorded.
 No loose material should be left in the pit.
 There should be no vibrations during this test.
 It should not be forgotten to remove the tray, before placing the SPC over the pit.

Observations And Calculations:

Enter all the data as per the table given below and calculate accordingly.

Sl no Data (Calibration of Unit Weight of Sand) Trial-1

1 Volume of the calibrating container, V (cm3)

2 Weight of SPC + sand, W1 (g)

3 Weight of sand required to fill the conical portion on a flat

surface, W2(g)
4 Weight of SPC + sand (after filling calibrating can), W3 (g)

5 Weight of sand required to fill the calibrating container, Wc =

(W1-W2 –W3) (g)

6 Unit weight of sand,

γsand = (Wc)/V (g/cm3)

Sl. Data (Determination of Density of Soil) Trial-1

no
1 Weight of the excavated from the pit (W) (g)

2 Weight of sand + SPC, before pouring, W1 (g)

3 Weight of SPC after filling the hole & conical portion, W4 (g)

4 Weight of sand in the pit

5 Volume of sand required to fill the pit

Wp = (W1-W4-W2) (g)
6 Wet unit weight of the soil
Vp=Wp/γsand (cm3)
7 Dry unit weight of the soil γdry=γwet/(1+m) (g/cm3) (where ‘m’ is
γwet=W/Vp (g/cm3)
the moisture content of soil)
 Method Statement for Sampling from Stockpiles (ASTM D75)

1. Objective:
- To collect a representative sample from aggregate stockpiles to ensure accurate testing results.

2. Scope:
- This section applies to stockpiled aggregates used in various construction applications.

3. Equipment:
- Clean, dry sampling containers (e.g., buckets, bags).
- Sampling tools (e.g., shovels, scoopers).
- A trowel or similar tool for digging into the pile.
- Personal protective equipment (PPE).

4. Procedure:

4.1. Preparation:
- Identify the stockpile from which samples will be taken.
- Assess the stockpile for any segregation, contamination, or moisture.

4.2. Sampling Process:

- Remove Contaminated Material:
- Remove the outer layer (approximately 6 inches) of the stockpile to eliminate contaminants. This
helps ensure that the sample is representative of the material inside the pile.

- Select Sampling Locations:

- Use a systematic approach to select multiple locations across the stockpile. For larger stockpiles,
consider a grid or a random selection method to cover different sections.
 - Collect Samples:
- At each selected location, use a shovel or scoop to obtain samples from various depths (top,
middle, and bottom) to ensure a mix of different particle sizes and types.
- Aim to collect a minimum of five individual samples from different locations.

4.3. Composite Sample:

- Combine the individual samples into a single composite sample. Mix them thoroughly to ensure
homogeneity.
- Use a clean sampling container to hold the composite sample.

5. Handling and Storage:

- Store the composite sample in a clean, dry container that prevents contamination.
- Label the container with relevant information, including date, time, location, and type of
aggregate.

6. Documentation:
- Record the sampling details, including:
- Locations of samples taken.
- Methods used and any observations (e.g., moisture content, segregation).
- Complete a sampling report for traceability and future reference.

7. Safety Considerations:
- Ensure the use of appropriate PPE, including gloves, safety glasses, and dust masks if necessary.
- Be cautious when working around heavy machinery or near the stockpile edge.

Conclusion
Proper sampling from stockpiles is crucial for obtaining representative aggregate samples. By
following these detailed steps in accordance with ASTM D75, you ensure the integrity of your testing
process and ultimately the quality of your construction materials.
 Method Statement for

ASTM D6938-23 – Standard Test Methods for In-Place Density and Water Content of Soil and
Soil-Aggregate by Nuclear Methods (Shallow Depth)

1. Objective

To determine the in-place density and moisture content of soil and soil-aggregate mixtures using
nuclear methods, specifically at shallow depths, as per ASTM D6938-23.

2. Scope

This method applies to the measurement of density and moisture content of various soil types and
soil-aggregate mixtures in construction and engineering applications.

3. Equipment Required

 Nuclear Density Gauge: Calibrated for shallow depth measurements

 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Gloves, safety glasses, and dosimeters
 Field Data Sheet: For recording measurements and observations
 Safety Signage and Barriers: To secure the measurement area

4. Safety Precautions

 Ensure all personnel are trained in radiation safety and emergency procedures.
 Follow all local, state, and federal regulations regarding the use of nuclear gauges.
 Maintain a safe distance from the gauge during operation.
 Use appropriate signage to warn others of the testing area.

5. Procedure

1. Preparation
o Verify the nuclear gauge is calibrated according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
o Ensure that the gauge is in proper working order and all safety features are
operational.
2. Site Selection
o Identify representative testing locations according to project specifications.
 o Clear the area of debris and any loose material that may affect measurements.
3. Taking Measurements
o Positioning the Gauge: Place the gauge firmly on the soil surface, ensuring complete
contact.
o Activating the Gauge: Follow the manufacturer's instructions to power on and set the
gauge for measurement.
o Stabilization Period: Allow the gauge to stabilize, typically for 1-3 minutes, depending
on the gauge and soil conditions.
o Recording Data: Note the moisture content and density readings displayed on the
gauge.
4. Replicate Measurements
o Conduct multiple readings (typically three) at each location to enhance accuracy.
o Move the gauge to different locations as specified and repeat the measurement
process.
5. Data Recording
o Document all measurements systematically, including:
 Location coordinates
 Time and date of measurement
 Weather conditions
 Any notable observations during the test

6. Data Interpretation

 Calculate average moisture content and density from the replicate measurements.
 Compare obtained results against project specifications or relevant standards.

7. Reporting

 Prepare a comprehensive report that includes:

o Project details and testing locations
o Equipment used and calibration details
o Recorded measurements and calculated averages
o Observations, deviations, and any corrective actions taken

8. Quality Control

 Regularly calibrate the nuclear gauge as per the manufacturer’s recommendations.

 Review and validate data for consistency and accuracy.
 Document any anomalies and implement corrective actions as needed.

9. Conclusion

This method statement outlines the procedures, equipment, and safety measures for conducting in-
place density and moisture content measurements of soil and soil-aggregate mixtures in accordance
with ASTM D6938-23. Following this method ensures reliable data crucial for engineering and
construction evaluations.
 Method Statement for ASTM C39

Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Cylindrical

Concrete Specimens
1. Objective

To accurately determine the compressive strength of cylindrical concrete specimens as per ASTM
C39.

2. Scope

This method applies to cylindrical concrete specimens prepared and tested in accordance with ASTM
C31 and ASTM C39. It includes procedures for testing specimens typically measuring 6 inches in
diameter by 12 inches in height.

3. References

- ASTM C39/C39M-24: Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Cylindrical Concrete
Specimens

- ASTM C31/C31M: Standard Practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the Field

- ACI 318: Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete

4. Equipment and Materials

-Concrete Cylinders: Standard sizes (e.g., 6 in. x 12 in.) or specified dimensions.

- Compression Testing Machine

- Measuring Instruments: Calipers, rulers for measuring dimensions.

- Curing Equipment: Curing tank , Thermometer, curing compound.

- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Gloves, safety glasses.

5. Procedure

5.1 Sample Preparation

-Casting : Prepare concrete cylinders as per ASTM C31. Use a suitable mix design according to project
specifications.
- Curing: Cure specimens for a 7 days , 28 Days or as required by the project specification in
accordance with ASTM C31, ensuring adequate moisture.

5.2 Pre-Test Inspection

- Visual Inspection: Check each cylinder for cracks, surface irregularities, or other defects.

- Dimensional Measurement: Measure and record the height and diameter of each cylinder to ensure
compliance with specified dimensions .

5.3 Testing

1. Setup:

- Place the cylinder in the compression testing machine, ensuring that the load is applied evenly
across the top surface.

- Ensure that the loading platens are clean and free from debris.

2. Alignment:

- Center the cylinder to ensure that the load is applied uniformly and does not cause lateral
movement.

3. Loading:

- Apply load continuously and uniformly at a rate of 0.25 MPa/s ± 0.05 MPa/s until the specimen
fails.

- Monitor and record the maximum load applied at the point of failure.

5.4 Data Analysis

- Calculate the compressive strength using the formula:

Compressive Strength= Maximum Load (N)/ Cross-sectional Area (mm2)

- Report results MPa (megapascals), rounding to the nearest or 0.1 MPa.

6. Reporting

The test report shall include:

- Specimen identification number

- Date and time of testing

- Maximum load at failure

- Compressive strength (in psi or MPa)

- Observations

- Operator’s name and signature

- Testing conditions

7. Quality Control

- Regularly calibrate the testing machine as per manufacturer specifications and ASTM E4
requirements.

- Implement routine checks for specimen dimensions and consistency in sample preparation.

8. Conclusion

This method statement provides a comprehensive procedure for determining the compressive
strength of cylindrical concrete specimens in accordance with ASTM C39/C39M-24. Adhering to the
requirements outlined in this method ensures the reliability and accuracy of test results. For
complete details on testing procedures, equipment specifications, and data interpretation, refer to
the full ASTM C39/C39M-24 standard.